Bombers send vets Morley, Vega packing

It was somewhat fitting when, about an hour after the Bombers announced the release of veteran Canadian offensive lineman Steve Morley on Monday afternoon, the team's director of football operations, David Siddall, was at the airport to pick up Alex Mateas.

That's because Mateas, one of the top ranked offensive line prospects in this year's draft, could very well end up being the new Morley for the Blue and Gold, only he'll come at a much more cap friendly salary.

Money is ultimately what ended the tenures of Morley and import defensive end Jason Vega, who was also released on Monday. Morley, who took over at centre last season when it became clear second overall draft pick Matthias Goossen wasn't ready, was slated to make good money in 2015, which a source said also included a $40,000 roster bonus before training camp. Vega, meanwhile, signed a big contract with the Bombers when he returned from the NFL in December 2013 but struggled mightily last season and was even a healthy scratch on occasion in Gary Etcheverry's unique defence.

“When you spend in free agency you update your cap, and we knew there were going to be some tough decisions down the road,” general manager Kyle Walters said Monday. “We just wanted to wait until after mini-camp, and the rosters need to be reduced by May 1 down to 75.

“So the tough decisions need to be made this week, and it's not fun and it's not easy, but it's part of the business unfortunately.”

If everything went according to plan, Morley, 33, was likely going to be a backup this season, which meant his big salary wouldn't have worked in the big picture. He was the longest serving member of the team when he was let go on Monday.

Vega's release was a little more of a surprise, but the Bombers have plenty of imports ready to challenge for his job and a source said the team brass felt the 27-year-old had slowed after returning from an NFL stint in the fall of 2013.

“He missed some games due to injury,” Walters said, “and at that price point it kind of is a strike against you as a veteran.”

One of the defensive ends who looked good at the team's mini-camp in Florida earlier this month was Derrell Johnson, while returnees Marvin Booker and Thaddeus Gibson should also provide a stiff challenge for the rush end spot opposite Greg Peach.

As for Mateas, he didn't attend the CFL combine last month in Toronto, deciding instead to prepare for his pro day at the University of Connecticut. So the Bombers brought him to town and will work him out at Investors Group Field on Tuesday. He is the third ranked prospect and the No. 2 offensive lineman behind UNLV's Brett Boyko, and the Bombers have the second overall selection.

The Bombers will also work out highly touted Laval offensive lineman Karl Lavoie, who missed the combine due to injury, next week in Montreal. Only then will they have a better understanding of whom they might select at No. 2.

“Once we finish working out these two guys and the NFL draft comes and goes,” Walters said, “that'll clear the picture up.”

kirk.penton@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/PentonKirk

MAKING MOVES

A look at some of the notable players who have joined the Bombers and those who have departed: